Scuderia Ferrari unveiled a heartwarming video to officially welcome Lewis Hamilton to the team following the conclusion of his contract with Mercedes. The video not only introduced Hamilton but also featured his beloved pet dog, Roscoe.

Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari is set to run until December 31, 2026, with January 1st marking the start of his journey as an official Ferrari driver.

The team secured his services ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season after the British driver exercised an exit clause in his two-year deal with Mercedes. In a strategic move, he replaces Carlos Sainz, who will now join Williams Racing.

To celebrate Hamilton’s arrival as the new year began, Ferrari posted a video on their official Instagram account, showcasing the team following Hamilton’s profile, followed shortly thereafter by a follow to Roscoe’s account. Here is the video:

Roscoe, Lewis Hamilton’s 12-year-old bulldog, has amassed a considerable fan base, gaining a million followers on his own Instagram account (@roscoelovescoco). The canine has become a beloved figure among Hamilton’s supporters. In a delightful twist, Lewis Hamilton, a vocal advocate for veganism, has shared that Roscoe also follows a plant-based diet, which has led to noticeable improvements in the dog’s health. His Instagram bio humorously reads, “I’m a vegan bulldog that loves to travel, play ball, and get attention from all the girls, especially when they rub my bum.”

The signing of Hamilton by Ferrari has been described as a monumental moment in F1 history. After more than a decade with Mercedes, where he secured six drivers’ titles, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari surprised many in the sport. Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello is expected to be filled with celebrations, marking the arrival of the seven-time world champion. However, team principal Frederic Vasseur has emphasized the need to refocus quickly. “Everybody all over the world is excited, and for sure, the mechanics are also excited, but because it’s always exciting to have someone who is a seven-time world champion in the car,” Vasseur told Sky F1. “But I think after day one, we’ll have to turn the page and focus on the job.”

Ferrari finished the 2024 Formula 1 campaign in second place, with rivals McLaren eventually securing its first constructors’ championship since 1998 after a very close battle against the Maranello team, which lasted until the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last race of the season. The the Italian side has therefore made significant strides in the latter half of the season, capitalizing on Red Bull’s difficulties. With the seven-time Formula 1 world champion joining Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season, Ferrari is gearing up for a competitive challenge as they aim to return to the top.